The Orangery at Glen Isle first popped up on our radar last year when it opened, but it wasn’t until a group of friends suggested we visit—all nine of us—that we found ourselves driving down the long gravel driveway to the home of Paul and Sabrina Lutz. Paul has been restoring the rambling white-stucco mansion, which sits on eight acres, for the past six years.The setting was surprisingly Old World; we could barely make out the R5 Septa line through the budding trees at the edge of the property.
Set in their recently restored historic home, the Lutz family has created one of Downingtown’s most unique dining experiences. Sabrina’s handcrafted Tuscan meals are served at a single seating, 6:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday nights. Sabrina’s childhood in Italy, where she cooked in the kitchen with her Nonna, is the inspiration for the prix-fixe, five-course menu, which rotates every two weeks based on what is in season.
As we waited for our friends to arrive, the waiter uncorked our wine bottle and we reviewed the night’s menu. Not that we had any choices to make; everyone dining on this night would have the same five courses.
With wine bottles uncorked and our friends settled in, the waiters attended to business. The Orangery at Glen Isle is about a relaxing meal in a peaceful setting. With nine of us, we were the largest table in the room and the service was friendly, timely and unobtrusive. We never felt rushed or forgotten as we enjoyed the meal and conversation.
Our first course was endive salad stuffed with cheese and herbs, and with blue cheese and walnuts. This refreshing and simple dish was an excellent light starter to get our palates up and running. We noticed the beautiful china set out on the white linens was different at each place setting.
We were surprised with a second course not listed on the night’s menu. A mushroom crostini prepared in a light cream sauce was delectable, a blend of tangy and hearty mushroom.
Our next course consisted of grilled then baked eggplant with tantalizing fresh mozzarella and tomato.
The lasagne dell Nonna was made with a meat sauce and béchamel cheese. This was the lightest lasagne I’ve ever eaten; the creaminess of the béchamel sauce and the meat sauce was beautiful.
For our next course, the roasted pork loin had been cooked in a honey sage sauce and thyme. This pork was melt-in-your-mouth tender with a nice tanginess. The side salad consisted of a refreshing spring mix, corn and onions with a vinaigrette dressing.
For dessert, we each had an espresso and individual cheesecakes with a fresh berry sauce that was sublime. They were a perfect ending to the night.
After our meal, we lingered and chatted with our friends until we realized the other diners and the staff had disappeared. We felt so comfortable in the surroundings we lost sense of time. My only disappointment was that Chef Sabrina didn’t stop out in the dining room to greet her new fans. From the delectable food to the seamless service and the fun conversation, the night escaped before I had a chance to ask to meet her. Hopefully, next time.
The Orangery at Glen Isle has limited seating and is reservation only. It is a BYO and cash only. They have a set menu each night, and the menu changes every two weeks. Click here for upcoming menu changes. They are available for private gatherings. They are located at 130 South Lloyd Ave., Downingtown, PA; phone (484) 401-5554.
Photographs credited to Jim Breslin.
